7 useful tips for passing your practical driving test

How to pass the driving theory test >>

Practical driving test can be a real headache for a learner driver. To help you avoid that, here are 7 useful tips on preparing for and passing the test at Regitra on your first attempt.

1. Learn the test assessment criteria

Before learning to drive, read the description of the practical test assessment criteria or ask your driving instructor to explain which errors are assessed during the test. It is important not only to know how to drive, but also to understand which errors are considered critical and which are non-critical.

The most common errors made during the driving test:

• failure to obey traffic lights, road signs or road markings;
• choosing an inappropriate speed;
• failing to check the mirrors;
• failing to use a turn signal;
• stalling the engine unnecessarily or selecting the wrong gear;
• failing to check over your shoulder;
• failing to give way to other road users;
• disregarding traffic-control signals or road signs.

Errors in the practical test are classified as non-critical or critical. Non-critical errors show that the driver does not yet have sufficient skills, while critical errors are situations that endanger the safety of other road users.

 Regitra advice on avoiding the most common errors 

2. Practise regularly

The minimum practical driving-training requirement for category B is 30 academic hours, but this is usually not enough to pass the driving test successfully. Drive at different times of day and in different weather conditions.

Do not avoid driving in rain, snow or darkness. The more you practise, the better you will become not only at controlling the car but also at assessing traffic situations. You will gain confidence and feel less tension and stress while driving.

If you have already passed the theory test at the state enterprise Regitra, you can learn to drive with a family member. Before starting, make sure that you have all the necessary documents and check that the vehicle owner’s compulsory third-party liability insurance will remain valid in the event of a traffic accident.

It is advisable to practise at least 2–3 times a week. If possible, drive as often as you can and avoid long breaks. At the beginning, before your driving skills are fully established, knowledge and practical experience are quickly forgotten. After a break of several weeks—or even months—you may have to learn everything again, which costs money.

3. Try as many different cars as possible

The more car models you have driven, the easier it will be to adapt to the car used for the driving test. Even if you have to drive a model you have never driven before, do not panic—the basic controls work in the same way, and you can manage it.

Do not be afraid to change your driving instructor, either. A new instructor will assess your skills objectively and may notice errors that your previous instructor overlooked.

4. Get to know the area where you will take the test

It is easier to pass the driving test in the city where you learned to drive because some of its intersections and road signs will already be familiar. While learning, try to take a different route each time. If you feel unsure at a particular intersection, ask your driving instructor for advice. Once you understand the rules, drive through that intersection as many times as necessary to feel confident.

5. Choose the best time for the test

When choosing the test date, make sure that you will not have to rush anywhere that day. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress. Allow plenty of time to reach the test centre.

Do not be late. Arrive early and familiarise yourself with the surroundings: walk around the site and look at the area where you will take the test. Plan your time afterwards so that you do not have to rush straight to classes, university or work.

The best time to take the test is when traffic is lightest. A weekday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., or a Saturday, can therefore be a good choice.

6. Do not be afraid of the examiner

Before the driving test, you will have a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the car. Use this time to adjust the rear-view mirrors and locate the controls for the lights, windscreen wipers and other equipment. If you cannot find or operate something, ask the examiner. The time before the test is for clarifying everything; once the test begins, you will no longer be able to ask about the car’s controls.

If you do not hear or understand an instruction during the test, ask the examiner to repeat it. Focus entirely on the road, traffic conditions and controlling the car. Do not look at the camera or the examiner, and do not wonder what the examiner is writing in the notes.

7. Stay calm and positive

Your attitude is very important. Do not assume in advance that something will go wrong. You have spent a great deal of time learning to drive on the road and can perform the required manoeuvres on the test site, so you are ready. Begin the test believing that you will pass. Drive safely and demonstrate your knowledge and skills—you can do it.

How does the driving test at Regitra work? 

Tips from our learners on passing the practical test at Regitra

It is best to arrive between half an hour and an hour before the test: payment is not available earlier, and in a larger city the queues to register and pay may be longer.

After you pay, you will be told where to wait for the examiner. When called, the examiner will introduce themselves, check your identity document and escort you to the car on the test site.

The examiner will briefly explain how the car’s controls work, allow you to adjust everything comfortably, and then let you drive to the test area to become familiar with the car.

After you have tried the car, the examiner will explain that the test consists of theory questions and practical driving on the road, and will let you ask about anything that is unclear in the test procedure.

Before the test starts, the examiner will ask whether you are ready. Only after you answer “yes” will the examiner switch on the camera and begin the test.

There are usually three theory questions at the beginning, although I was once asked them in the middle of the test. I recommend learning all the answers thoroughly so that you leave yourself more room for driving errors, as driving is the more stressful part.

After answering the questions, you will leave the test site and join traffic. The examiner will give directions according to the situation. If you turn and then continue straight for some time, the examiner will give only that one instruction. If there is a roundabout immediately after the turn, the examiner will also tell you which exit to take. Directions are generally given clearly and in good time. When approaching an intersection where you must turn, it can help to slow down gradually in advance. This makes the car easier to control and gives you more time to hear the direction, complete the manoeuvre or ask again. The examiner can repeat an instruction.

During the drive, the examiner will ask you to stop and perform a manoeuvre, such as parking, reversing at a 90° angle, or showing how you would secure the car on an uphill or downhill slope.

At some point, you will also be asked to follow GPS directions for part of the route—about 10–15 minutes, if I remember correctly.

Finally, you will return to Regitra and the test will end. The examiner will explain the errors you made, allow you to ask questions and clarify situations you did not understand, and tell you whether you passed.

At Regitra, you will be able to print a sheet listing your errors.

Even if you make a critical error, the test is not necessarily stopped; in most cases, you will still be allowed to complete the entire test route.

If you feel very unwell during the test and think that you cannot continue, remember that you may stop the test yourself at any time. I hope this helps—good luck! :)

How to pass the driving theory test >>